Sunday, August 30, 2009

Half marathon


I made it! I ran the Top of Utah Half Marathon yesterday near Logan and I survived! It was my first race and I had no idea what to expect. I achieved my goal of running the entire 13 miles and I finished in 2 hrs 19 mins. The run was beautiful-- the first half or so was in the canyon just as the sun was beginning to rise. There were more than 2000 people who ran and watching the start of the race is something I will never forget. I was in the middle of the pack at the starting line and all I could see were heads bobbing up and down. It was a cool feeling to be running with so many people with a common goal.


I was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt running. My stomach had been bugging me since Friday, but I think it was just nerves. I started feeling the burn at about 11 miles. From mile 11 to 12 the course was uphill, so that was pretty challenging since it was so close to the end. I just had to mentally push through it and kept thinking about all of the work I had put into training. I knew I'd be kicking my own butt if I didn't run the whole thing. The last mile was a straight shot to the finish and you could see the crowd. My adrenaline really kicked in and I finished strong. It felt so good crossing that finish line and seeing some familiar faces!

I feel really good about setting this goal and achieving it even though it was rarely convenient. We were gone for nearly half of the 9-week training schedule I followed and it was challenging finding time to run with a baby. I found myself running in hotel gyms, down mountains near my parents' cabin, through neighborhoods in Idaho Falls and at all times of the day and night. I'm glad all the work paid off.

Here I am with my "bragging t-shirt." I followed the RunnersWorld.com half marathon training schedule and I would recommend it to anyone considering running one. I remember looking at the schedule in the beginning and being nervous about it, but it really does work.
I think I'll take it easy this week :)

15 comments:

Grant and Taryn Layton said...

Seriously so proud! (especially with having been gone so much, having a baby, etc). But it's usually those times when you make sacrifices for things that aren't convenient, that it makes it that much better! You did awesome. Now we just have to find a cool one somewhere and meet up and run together :) Congrats again!

Cassi said...

Way to go Jenny! That's totally awesome. I bet that feeling of being done is so nice!

LudvigsonFamily said...

Congrats Jenny! That is really awesome goal you achieved. Little Jackson is lucky to have a mom like you. This will be a good lesson to teach him someday that if you put your mind to something and to tell yourself you can do anything!

Cecily said...

That's so awesome! Congratulations! I am so impressed!

Andrea Steffensen said...

It took you over 2 hours...I'm so disappointed in you!! :) Good job! Hope to see you soon!!

Beth said...

Wow Jenny, i had no idea! I bet you are proud of yourself. I'm sorry i didn't read this post before I saw you today...I would have congradulated you and asked you for some tips on how you did it and where you got the guts to even try. After this pregnancy I'm going to start with running 5Ks, but then I want to work my way up to a half Marathon!

Kinley said...

Wahoo! That is so awesome! great job!

Mark and Lachelle said...

Go Jenny! You're like Superwoman! Anyone that runs marathons have my respect! I can't walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'm going to pass out. So rock on!!

Gina said...

i'm way impressed! you have inspired me. maybe next year i will try a half marathon of my own...once i figure out how to get motivated and stay motivated. great job!

Brad n Bekah Blizogg said...

Congratulations! That's amazing! I don't think I could ever do that. I've never been much of a distance runner. Brad wants to though. I'll have to tell him about the plan you followed. Again great job!

Heidi said...

Ok, you got me crying. I'm so proud of you and still ever so bummed out that I wasn't there with your hot self! Next time we'll be at the end with our bragging shirts together! Don't take that thing off, you show people how amazing you are! Wooo hooo!

RobHeidi Family said...

So fun to read about your whole experience! I don't know what it is about you and your run but again.. I got a tad chocked up! I dunno! I'm soooooo proud of you!!!

RobHeidi Family said...
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Shawna said...

way to go! you look great!

Our Family said...

Congratulations! I love Halfs! My favorite is the Ogden Half in May. You should try it next year. I love the atmosphere and everyone supporting each other! I was planning to do the TOU, but was only 3 months post-partum and my hips weren't ready for it yet!